spleen

Spleen is the largest reticuloendothelial organ in the body and lies in the left upper quadrant of abdomen underneath the 9th, 10th, and 11th ribs
The spleen acts as a blood filter. It removes the blood cells that are abnormal, old, or damaged. It also fight against infectious micro-organisms such as bacteria, virus and others by producing leukocytes and antibodies. In foetal life, it also produces red & white blood cells
It measures 7–11 cm in length, and weighs an average of 150 g (normal range 80–300 g)
Normally, it is not palpable. When it becomes palpable, its size should be at least double the normal
Approximately 20% of the population has one or more accessory spleens
It is the most common injured abdominal organ in blunt trauma
In some conditions, spleen enlarges in size (splenomegaly), leading to excessive destruction of even normal blood cells leading to anemia, leukocytopenia & thrombocytopenia, a condition known as "hypersplenism"
Splenectomy (Spleen removal) is advised in conditions of hypersplenism, splenic injury, splenic abscess, splenic tumors etc.
Splenectomy can be done by both open & laparoscopic surgery

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What are the common indications of splenectomy (removal of spleen) ?

Splenic injury- Most common indication of splenectomy
Hypersplenism / hemolytic disorders
ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura)
Splenic abscess
Splenic tumors etc.
Sometimes splenectomy may be needed as a part of other procedures
- Pancreatico-splenectomy for pancreatic tumors
- Splenectomy during gastrectomy for gastric cancer

What are the symptoms of splenic disorders?

Is there any problem if I undergo splenectomy?

Normally spleen helps in protection from infections/micro organisms, especially capsulated bacteria like H.influenza, pneumococcus etc.
When spleen is removed due to any reasons, there will be increased chances of infections with decreased immunity called as OPSI (Overwhelming Post splenectomy Infection)

What are the precautions to be taken while undergoing splenectomy?

When spleen is removed due to any reasons, there will be increased chances of infections with decreased immunity called as OPSI (Overwhelming Post splenectomy Infection)
So, vaccination against these organisms are advised at least 2 weeks before elective surgery and 2 weeks after surgery in case of emergency splenectomy like trauma
Your doctor may also advise antibiotic prophylaxis for a longer period